The Tonga and Samoa series were well received and a success for England, but all the games were staged at stadiums with capacities up to 25,000 in rugby league’s traditional heartland.
However, the expected appetite for Australia’s visit has prompted the Rugby Football League and RL Commercial to think bigger – with the 90,000-capacity Wembley and Everton’s new ground, which can house more than 50,000 fans, among three host stadiums.
Wembley in particular has special affection for supporters as the annual home of the Challenge Cup final – and has staged some mammoth Ashes encounters in the past.
Great Britain’s victory in 1990 caught the imagination at the old stadium, was then followed by a further Test success in 1994, inspired by brilliance from Jonathan Davies, also led to an England win a year later in the World Cup group stages, all moments fondly remembered by home fans.
Australia have also enjoyed success at the famous venue, winning World Cups in 1992 and 1995 under the old ‘Twin Towers’, and thrashing Fiji on their last visit to the new ground in the 2013 semi-final.
Bramley-Moore Dock will be new territory for the sport, but Everton’s current home Goodison Park staged four Australia matches in the early part of the 20th Century.
By contrast, Headingley has staged countless Tests, Ashes games and World Cup meetings between the countries, and is now a staple venue for England fixtures.
